By now, you should have already known that Singapore does not condone the operation of unlicensed massage parlours.
In fact, Singapore authorities have been holding multiple raids to crack down on such unlicensed establishments.
And yet, some people believe that while others may get caught, they wouldn’t, including 58-year-old Foo Hee Tong.
What Happened
Between December 2020 and June this year, the Ang Mo Kio and Central Police Divisions conducted a series of investigations and operations to identify unlicensed establishments so that they can be closed down.
They discovered that Foo had allegedly been operating three massage establishments and providing massage services without any valid license at Brighton Crescent, Hougang Street 21, and Jalan Besar.
He was then apprehended by the police and investigated further.
58YO Charged with Unlicensed Massage Parlours Operations
Under Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishment Act 2017, Foo is now charged with three counts of carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment without a valid license.
For each count, he can be fined up to $20,000 and sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison.
Since Foo rented the units from a landlord, the landlord will be notified of the unlicensed operations and he must ensure that Foo hands over the unit back to him within one month of Foo’s conviction.
As a reminder to the public, the Singapore Police Force released a statement:
“The police will take action against landlords who knowingly lease their premises to unlicensed massage establishment operators.”
They also emphasised that they take this issue very seriously, and will not hesitate to punish any individual involved in such business operations.
Those who are charged will also face the appropriate punishments according to the law.
Ongoing Raids
Last month, 45 people came under investigation after authorities cracked down on 17 massage parlours.
Four women aged between 30 and 33 were arrested because they were found to be working without a valid work permit, while a 40-year-old man was arrested after he was found to be managing an unlicensed public entertainment outlet.
In July this year, Too Seng San, an 81-year-old man, was fined $18,000 for running an unlicensed massage establishment and for failing to stop an employee from offering sexual services.
In short, crime doesn’t pay; unless it involves your own wallet.
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